The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced the full settlement of outstanding obligations owed to individual holders of Cocoa Bills who did not participate in the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
In a statement on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, COCOBOD said it had paid GH¢162 million to affected investors, bringing to an end years of uncertainty over the outstanding payments.
“The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) wishes to inform investors and the general public that it has paid GH¢162 million in full settlement of outstanding obligations to individual holders of Cocoa Bills who did not participate in the Government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP),” the statement said.
The payment follows the implementation of the DDEP in 2023, a debt restructuring programme introduced by the government as part of efforts to restore macroeconomic stability and secure support under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
While many domestic bondholders participated in the exchange, some holders of COCOBOD Cocoa Bills who opted out of the programme had outstanding payments due to the financial challenges facing the cocoa regulator.
“Following the implementation of the DDEP in 2023, payments to some non-participating Cocoa Bill holders remained outstanding due to COCOBOD’s financial constraints,” the Board explained.
COCOBOD said the latest payment forms part of efforts to honour all valid financial obligations and rebuild confidence among investors.
“The Board has now fully settled these obligations as part of its commitment to honour all legitimate debts. Beneficiaries are advised to contact their respective fund managers to access their payments,” it stated.
The Board also thanked affected investors for their patience throughout the period of delayed payments.
Find below the statement
